Looking Back and Ahead

As another school year comes to an end, it is important to spend time reflecting on everything that was accomplished throughout the year while at the same time planning for the future to ensure the learning and growth continues.

As we look back on some of the highlights from the 2012-2013 school year, we are reminded of Lower’s School commitment to providing students with the best possible educational experience:

Pre-Kindergarten designed and delivered an integrated social studies curriculum that focused on character building and social skills.

Kindergarten implemented the last component of its new balanced literacy program and students are now engaged daily in reading workshop, writing workshop, and word study.

First grade used document cameras in the classroom to introduce new concepts, work on collaborative writing pieces, practice and reinforce skills using games they play together, and to highlight student work.

Second grade students learned how to use a blog as a means to share thoughts and opinions with each other and were given opportunities to explore digital writing in order to be better equipped for the type of writing required in a digital society.

Third grade students used Google docs to collaborate with their teacher and classmates on their writing pieces.

Fifth grade students were given their first opportunity to explore the use of a digital textbook with their new Science Fusion program.

School-wide successes included: introduction of math workshop to differentiate math instruction in the classroom; new Science Olympiad club for fourth and fifth graders; Battle of the Books regional championship, and Community Conversations that openly discussed diversity and inclusion at Ravenscroft.

This list is impressive, but it does not even begin to capture all the individual efforts and initiatives taken by Lower School faculty members who care deeply about their students and continue to grow and develop as educators.

It is the faculty and staff who make Lower School a special place, and it is often hard when we have to say goodbye to a member of our family. This year is no different, and we are saddened to be losing some of our talented Lower School educators, but also excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for them and us.

After 31 years of service, first grade teacher Susan DeJoy is retiring and is excited about the opportunity to spend more time with her family and friends after dedicating her life to educating our young Ravens.

Whitney Frendt will be transitioning from Kindergarten to fill the open position and join a very talented first grade team.

Third grade teacher Mary Glenn Crumpler will be getting married this summer and moving to Virginia to be with her soon to be husband.

We have hired Tracy Waite to join our talented third grade. Tracy currently works as a Title One Intervention Coordinator and Teacher. Prior to her current position, she taught second and third grade. Tracy is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and also has her graduate certification in Academically Gifted Education.

After 13 years of service and 27 years as an educator, Spanish teacher Roberta Sweeney is retiring.

Middle School Spanish teacher, Leana Stewart will be joining the Lower School as our new Spanish teacher and will be responsible for grades 3-6.

As we look ahead to next year, I would like to share some exciting things that will be happening over the summer:

The fifth grade center will be getting a “face lift.” We are very excited about the renovation project that will take place over the summer to give the fifth grade center a new look and feel. The project includes: new carpets, fresh paint, moving walls to increase classroom space, and a few other design changes to provide students with an exciting learning space.

A new Technology Lab will be created in the current location of the Seminar Room. Relocating and redesigning the technology lab will provide the Lower School with a centrally located space for innovative work and design related to technology.

The current Technology Lab will become the Spanish classroom for grades 3-5. This will allow our two Spanish teachers to be located right next to each other and allow for collaboration on a daily basis.

I wish you all a happy summer vacation and thank you for your continued support of Lower School!